To ensure the voices of young Canadians are present and engaged, Young Diplomats of Canada (YDC) is proud to announce that five young Canadian leaders will attend the WB/IMF Annual Meetings from October 9-15th, 2017. Joining YDC after a national competition of candidates under 30, the delegation of young professionals includes a Ph.D student, a Bank of Canada professional and a Fellow at Venture for Canada. Together, the delegation will not only represent Canada's youth, but contribute a uniquely informed perspective on macroeconomic policy, from both a Canadian and international perspective.

YDC Head Delegate Erika Richter believes that “the issues presented at the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings directly affect youth around the world. In discussing sustainable development, climate change, or innovation and technology, we are looking forward to ensuring youth are not only on the agenda, but are also at the table. We hope to advocate for policy change and resource mobilization in favour of Canadian leadership in the global economy and global sustainable development when we return home.”

At the WB-IMF Annual Meetings, global leaders from around the world and across sectors will come together to discuss poverty eradication and aid effectiveness by looking for new approaches to tackle big challenges.

Directly engaging global leaders in government and civil society provides an opportunity for the incorporation of youth perspectives within the highest levels of global governance. Through YDC’s social media channels, delegates will provide exclusive coverage directly from the Annual Meetings.